Love is Blind a cinny-ster fic

As always I do not own any part of CBS, ABC, Criminal Minds or the characters of the show. All original characters are of my own imagination and any resemblance to living or deceased persons is purely coincidental. For entertainment purposes only.

And a huge Thank You to a special person who fed this monster and inspired this story. Lynn you know I mean you! Thank you for giving me the initial idea and allowing me to run with it in my own cinny-ster way!

And big time thanks to all of you, (you know who you are) who help me daily with reading and suggesting helpful ways to improve the stories I attempt to write. Without the reader and the reviews I would never do this, so Thank You from the bottom of my heart!

The team is working a tough case of an Angel of Mercy Killer. Hot on her trail they discover a personal relationship between the unsub and one of the team members.

Chapter 2

Las Vegas Nevada ~Three weeks earlier

Time off always puzzled Reid. What was he going to do with a week off? Walking the strip for a week didn't really hold the charm it did when he was younger. Now with all the time he spent in Virginia and on cases he didn't feel at home here like he used to.

"Spencer Reid!" A female voice called out to him.

He turned around with the bottle of soda against his lips. He took a quick sip, lowering it as he looked for the person who called to him. The strip was marginally crowded with tourists and entertainers. A beautiful blonde stood staring at him, her arms hanging at her sides, her head tilted slightly to the right. He furrowed his brows not recognizing her; it had to be someone else. He scanned the area around the woman but yet no one else seemed interested in him. His eyes feel back on the woman. 'How did she know him?'

She took a step forward and then another, "It is you! I haven't seen you in years, five to be exact."

"Hello." Spencer waved; he was still trying to place her.

"You don't recognize me do you?"

"Um I'm sorry I don't." Reid thought he definitely would not forget this woman.

"Mattie Nacey, our mothers were in…" She leaned in close to his ear, trying to avoid people hearing her. "…in the institution together."

Spencer definitely remembered Helen Nacey; she was a paranoid schizophrenic like his mother. He also recalled that she was doing well with her treatment and was released. She had not wanted to go, and Spencer could remember overhearing a heated argument between Helen's husband and the hospital administrators. Helen had spent two months outside of the institution before she killed herself. He also recalled that Bruno Nacey tried to sue, saying his wife was released too soon.

Spencer frowned trying to work out all the memories and place this woman into them. She watched him and smiled briefly. "It's ok if you don't remember me; I don't exactly look the same. That was five years and seventy five pounds ago."

Suddenly, an image of a cubby young woman with long blonde hair, and braces, flashed in his mind. She was almost as awkward as Spencer was, almost, his mind repeated. The difference, she was comfortable in that place where Reid never was. She would sit with the patients that were alone, talk with them and bring treats. He remembered her bringing his mother flowers. He had been there to visit one day, afraid to go see her so he stood in the doorway and this woman had sat down next to his mom, giving her a bouquet of daisies. That had drawn him out and he approached them. She apologized, explaining how she felt bad for the people that didn't have family and she thought Diana was alone. He had told her he appreciated it because he couldn't always be there for his mom. She had smiled and he was struck by how pretty she was and how her blue eyes sparkled.

Mattie watched as recognition crossed Spencer's face. She smiled at him and Reid knew right away this was the same woman. She had a beautiful smile that could light up any room.

"How is your mother? I haven't been back since…"

"She is unchanged, and I am sorry about your loss."

"Are you here for work or a visit? I have followed you a bit. I am impressed with what you do Dr. Reid. I hope I don't sound like a stalker." She laughed nervously. "And that was so long ago I am past it now. A lot has changed since those days, got my braces off, took long enough." She smiled again, "Don't know why I told you that I guess I am nervous around an attractive man."

Spencer was dumbfounded Mattie was exactly the type of woman that he was terrified of and usually acted like a complete idiot in front of. He never thought a woman would feel like that in his presence and especially this one. Beautiful didn't quiet describe her accurately, she was stunning, like Grace Kelly. She really did mature nicely.

"I'm going to see my mom this afternoon after I finish my walk."

"Would you mind, if it isn't too much trouble, if I come with you. Oh maybe I shouldn't intrude, I always liked your mother so much. She inspired me to…to go to school and after my mom died, I did. I changed my whole life because of Diana."

Reid looked at Mattie closely she had tears in her eyes and he wished he could take them away from her. He agreed and extended his arm for her. She took it as they walked along the strip.

Mattie told Reid all about her visits with his mom, and how when her mother was violent Mattie would hide in the solarium afraid to see her mother. Diana had spoken to her first and from then on she would sit with her and read to her. Spencer had witnessed one of those moments and at first it embarrassed her that she felt more comfortable around the other patients than her own mother. But he was kind and allowed her to continue seeing Diana. By the time they had made it to the hospital Spencer felt he had a good understanding of this woman.

Diana was sitting by the window and she didn't turn away from it for quite some time when Reid spoke to her. He had originally thought she wouldn't reply or acknowledge him when she finally spoke, "The birds are getting ready to leave, the last time I saw you they were just arriving."

"I was here three weeks ago, mom. Don't you remember?"

She gave him a stern look, "Not you Spencer, I'm not crazy, her. Ok maybe I am a little crazy, but I don't forget. Mattie Nacey, why has it been so long since you came to visit?"

"Mom you remember Mattie?"

"Of course I do. We have the internet here Spencer, this is not jail, I googled her."

Spencer smiled as he settled into a chair and let his mother talk with Mattie. He loved when she was like this, sharp as a tack and spunky. It didn't happen often and he was grateful when it did. He found himself growing rather found of this young woman who was making his mother smile.

JK